Chapter 1562: Backyard on Fire

Zu'an broke out in a cold sweat of fear. "Why do you ask that?" he stammered.

It was fine with the other women, but Yan Xuehen was her master. If she found out now, it would certainly lead to a falling out.

He could only slowly try to find a way to make them gradually accept this relationship...

As soon as this thought emerged, Zu'an couldn't help but smile bitterly. To be honest, he saw absolutely no hope for it.

"Because you're all so good to me," Chu Chuyan said, a little puzzled. "Especially my master. She used to be such a cold person, and very strict with me. I was even a little afraid of her. But since returning this time, she's suddenly become much gentler and extremely caring towards me."

Zu'an: "..."

Yan Xuehen's state of mind really wasn't as transcendent as she claimed, considering her supposed mastery of "Grand Pure Emotionlessness."

Fortunately, he reacted quickly and immediately said, "We're all your closest people. What's strange about us being good to you? It would be strange if we weren't, wouldn't it?"

"But Master's change is too drastic..." Chu Chuyan was still somewhat skeptical.

Only then did Zu'an explain, "I suppose we encountered too many powerful beings in the Unknowable Land, and several times we barely escaped with our lives. I imagine this experience must have had a profound impact on her, causing a shift in her mindset."

Chu Chuyan nodded slightly. "That must be it. When Master returned this time, I clearly felt her strength had improved somewhat, and she quickly went into seclusion. According to those in the temple, she should reach a higher level after emerging from seclusion this time."

Seeing that she believed this explanation, Zu'an finally let out a complete sigh of relief.

The two of them strolled around the capital, the most prosperous city in the world. Except for a few areas, many districts had no curfew, which was what countless people from other places yearned for the most.

They ate and browsed as they walked, and Zu'an felt as if he had returned to his previous life, wandering through a night market.

Chu Chuyan had been strictly disciplined since childhood and had always carried the burden of the Chu clan's safety. She had never been so relaxed before.

Her usually cold countenance bloomed into a smile like a flower; she hugged Zu'an's arm, her face radiant with happiness.

Along the way, no ruffians or hooligans caused any trouble. Firstly, the capital's public order was much better than elsewhere, especially since yesterday's events meant patrolling soldiers were everywhere. Secondly, most of the influential young nobles in the capital knew Zu'an and were aware that he was a formidable person. Who would dare to provoke him?

In this way, the two of them continued to wander until late into the night before reluctantly heading home.

After returning to the Duke's mansion, they sat side by side on the room's windowsill. Chu Chuyan leaned against Zu'an's embrace, and as they admired the moonlight, they recounted what had happened to each of them during their separation and expressed their longing for each other.

Lovers' words are endless. Unbeknownst to them, it was already past midnight. Neither of them knew when they had fallen asleep, but they spent the entire night nestled together on the windowsill.

It wasn't until the maids woke up the next morning and discovered them that the two were startled awake. It was fortunate that their cultivation levels made them immune to the cold and heat; otherwise, sitting out there all night in the middle of winter, it would have been strange if they hadn't fallen seriously ill.

The crisp, melodious ringing of bells echoed from the palace, notifying the officials that they were to attend court today.

Zu'an was not surprised by this. After what happened yesterday, it would have been strange if there wasn't a morning court session today.

His current status required him to attend court. He told Chu Chuyan to sleep a little longer, as it was still early.

Chu Chuyan smiled and shook her head. After a quick wash, she returned to her room to meditate and cultivate.

Zu'an watched, filled with admiration. He thought, "Everyone says Chu Chuyan's cultivation talent is top-notch, but her diligence in cultivation also surpasses most cultivators in the world."

"I'll come back as soon as court is dismissed and go with you to the Imperial Academy." He had learned during their chat last night that Chu Chuyan was entrusted by her sect to visit the Grand Libation and present some gifts. He also realized he hadn't had a chance to see his friends at the academy since returning to the capital.

"I'll wait for you." Chu Chuyan's voice held a hint of tenderness, unlike its usual coolness.

Upon arriving at the palace, as expected, officials at court quickly stepped forward to propose a thorough investigation into yesterday's attack.

Furthermore, others suggested investigating matters in Yunzhong Commandery, as Sang Hong had brought back new evidence. Naturally, the annihilation of Sang Hong's delegation also needed a thorough investigation.

Although no one explicitly mentioned Prince Qi, everyone knew he was the target.

Since Prince Qi was indeed in the wrong initially, officials loyal to Prince Qi, though wishing to refute, couldn't form a strong argument.

After a while, an official suddenly stepped forward and pointed out that, according to the rules of all dynasties, feudatory princes were required to return to their designated territories upon reaching adulthood, and there was no reason for them to remain in the capital indefinitely.

He also cited historical examples of the few feudatory princes who had remained in the capital to illustrate that this was not beneficial for the nation.

Finally, he suggested that Prince Qi return to his fiefdom, which immediately caused an uproar throughout the court.

Who didn't know what Prince Qi had been vying for all these years? Making him return to his fiefdom like this would be tantamount to taking his life.

Some unaware mid- and low-ranking officials from Prince Qi's faction immediately began to rebuke and argue. However, as they argued, they suddenly realized something: why were none of the top figures from Prince Qi's faction speaking up?

Everyone present at court was intelligent. They had only made incorrect analyses due to a lack of information. Now, seeing this situation and linking it to yesterday's events, they gradually understood.

The morale of Prince Qi's entire faction immediately plummeted, and they were almost continuously pushed back.

Ultimately, the matter was largely settled. Zu'an was somewhat surprised by this, because he noticed that Prince Qi seemed overly calm. He hadn't seen him organize any counterattacks from beginning to end. Had he just accepted his fate?

Of course, Zhao Hao's tactics were also clever. None of the treasonous acts mentioned earlier were directly aimed at Prince Qi. It was probably intended as a trade-off: "I won't pursue these matters against you, and you obediently return to your fiefdom."

After court was dismissed, Zu'an, as usual, went to the Eastern Palace to report for duty. He found an opportunity to ask Bi Linglong, "Has Prince Qi really accepted his fate and returned to his fiefdom?"

"It's not that simple," Bi Linglong said, her delicate face, which seemed to have been specially made up today, showing no emotion. "The current situation is unfavorable to him, so he's merely lying low for now. I imagine it won't be long before he starts his counterattack."

Zu'an asked her what Prince Qi's likely counterattack would be. Bi Linglong shook her head. "Prince Qi is far-sighted and calculating. How could mere juniors like us presume to guess? Does Lord Zu have anything else to report? If not, you may leave."

Feeling the coldness in her tone, Zu'an was taken aback. He wondered what had gotten into her.

It didn't seem like what happened with the Empress yesterday had been exposed either.

He could only continue, "I have some family matters recently, and I'd like to request a few days of leave..."

"Denied." Before he could finish, Bi Linglong interrupted directly.

Zu'an was also a little annoyed. He abruptly stood up. "Why?"

Bi Linglong looked up at him, her face expressionless. "The Eastern Palace is extremely busy with countless affairs every day. As the Crown Prince's Chief Secretary, you were on an envoy mission recently and were absent from the Eastern Palace for a long time. An unknown amount of official documents has already piled up. You've only just returned after much difficulty, and now you want to request leave again?"

"What could you possibly be busy with, other than accompanying that woman from the Chu clan?" Bi Linglong said coldly. "As far as I know, you two have already divorced, haven't you? Now she's not even your family, so why do you need to accompany her?"

Zu'an suddenly realized, and couldn't help but look at her and laugh. "So you're jealous."

"Nonsense! I, the esteemed Crown Princess, how could I... how could I be jealous of you?" Bi Linglong's face looked unnatural. "Guards! Bring Lord Zu all the official documents that have accumulated during this period."

After saying this, she stood up and left directly, giving him no chance to retort.

Soon, Rong Mo brought a large pile of official documents and stacked them in front of him, watching him with schadenfreude.

Zu'an was also dumbfounded. There were so many; let alone one day, he couldn't finish them even in three days and three nights. "Chuyan is still waiting for me at home!"